This article was co-authored by Tasha Rube, LMSW. Tasha Rube is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Missouri. She received her MSW from the University of Missouri in 2014.

There are 6 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Have you ever wondered how to get your life back in order after experiencing a period of chaos? Without a doubt, many of us resort to getting bent out of shape instead of empowering ourselves to get up and get going again. Although it's not very healthy, it's easy to just feel sorry for ourselves and not do anything about our circumstances, or to make things worse through self-destructive habits. However, the key to life, as Einstein said, is like riding a bicycle; to stay balanced, you have to keep going.

Steps

Part 1

Getting Time Under Control Again

1

Evaluate how you spend your time. Unless it's down time you've established, any activity that doesn't produce a tangible result or lead you to success is most likely a waste of time. This does not include meaningful time for reflection, which is key to getting your life back in order. Simply choose which things in your life are important to you and which are not. First, make a list of things that you normally do on a daily and/or weekly basis and write down how much time you spend on each activity. Then, take the items on that list and cross off the things that are useless in your life and you spend too much time on. Make a do and don't list.

2

Cut back on unnecessary activities. Look at the things you crossed off and what you still have on your other list. Does this seem reasonable? The main goal is to get you to stop spending so much time on useless things. Now that you know what to avoid doing, replace them with more productive activities.

For example, going to the movies or browsing on the computer half as often will give you more time. Or, if you watch TV for 5 hours a day, you're definitely wasting some time in your life.

3

Shut down social spheres. Some people are big on having as many windows open as possible when they are on the computer. They say it helps them to not forget important tasks and to stay on track. But if it sounds like you, you probably notice that the notification figures are constantly flashing, and before you know it, you're distracted by tweets directing you to another great article, photo updates about dinner selections, and an irresistible yet pointless online argument. Shut these social communities down and take control.[1]

Figure out times of the day to check back in. Take advantage of the useful time management tools out there to schedule updates for the day. You'll soon be so busy being productive that you won't notice that the social world you were so heavily immersed in has disappeared.

4

Get up early and use this valuable time to focus. Take advantage of the energy that comes with the rising sun. As many people are still not up and creating chaos in the world, it's a great time to be highly productive. Leave the social sites and personal emails for later. Begin with a short morning meditation that centers you and focuses you, and make a list of what you would like to accomplish. Then start right away on the work that will help you achieve your goals. Choose that this will be a good day. [2]

Though you can also use part of this time for meditation or exercise. Meditation can help greatly to clear your mind and to help you feel refreshed and relaxed again.

If you set 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. aside each morning, this will give you a solid two hours of concentrated work. It's incredible what you can achieve in this time.

5

Say no when you need to and don't feel bad about it. There are periods in life when it's nearly impossible to keep up. There are meetings, dinner dates, parties, conferences and all kinds of other situations that demand our presence. It's great to feel wanted but at what cost? Trying to go to every single thing will almost definitely have a negative effect on your productivity. Say no to things that aren't absolutely essential. By doing this, you will be opening the door so that more important opportunities can take priority.[3]

Ask yourself: How will saying yes help you to improve the most important areas in your life? If it doesn't, then say no.

Part 2

Reestablishing Healthy Habits

1

Make a healthy diet plan with an emphasis on whole grains, vegetables, fruits and protein sources. A healthy diet can have a powerful effect on your overall energy levels as well as your mood. Even eating healthy foods for one or two days can make you feel like you've gotten your life back under control again, while it also physically restores balance in your body.

2

Add vitamins to your daily diet. Certain vitamin supplements can have a tremendous effect in reducing the amount of stress that you most likely went through during that recent, hectic period of your life. No matter how healthy your diet is, you may still be deficient with certain nutrients due to stress and anxiety. The absolute best vitamins to help in bringing stress levels back down are B vitamins and Vitamin C. Omega fish oils are also good for mind and body balance.

3

Practice meditation or breathing exercises. As mentioned above, stress can have such a detrimental effect on a person's productivity levels. When you feel that you have too much on you, it's easy to forget to breathe properly at times. So take deep, long breaths, and instantly improve the flow of oxygen to your brain.

4

Spend more time in nature. Being in the great outdoors is never a waste of time. Nature has the ability to clear a person's thoughts and soothe a troubled mind. Climbing a mountain or taking a walk in the woods gives us clarity again on what's important and helps us to feel connected with the universe. Appreciating your natural surroundings can be a great way to ground oneself and restore positive energy. [4]

5

Take time to stretch your muscles. Schedule a massage to improve circulation, muscle tone and remove harmful toxins. Take a yoga class - there are so many different classes and teachers available, so there is definitely a style and a teacher out there for you. You may have to take a few classes that you're not crazy about, but that's okay; because when you find the one for you, it could be well worth it.

6

Cut back on cigarettes, alcohol and other bad habits. Hands-down, these are harmful crutches and some of these vices can seriously cloud your judgment and decisions. The money you save and the health you gain by stopping one or more of these habits can be put into something more rewarding such as joining a hiking club or buying a spa-pass for a week. Like the period you just went through, there are those times where everything seems out-of-control. Now that the dust has settled this is the time to focus on your body temple again. Besides, being self-destructive gives the people around you permission to be so as well, and this can attract the wrong types of people into your life at the time when you're trying to get things back together.

Part 3

Getting Organized Again

1

Organize first, buy last. Take a common problem - the magazines that have been lying around for months on end. You say you have to do something about them, so you rush off to the store to buy a dozen magazine holders. It's probably best to sit down, though, and figure out which ones you actually should keep and the ones you should toss. Remember, sometimes less is more.

2

Hit the yard sales. Sometimes you can find real gems in sales like this. Many items that sellers give away for next to nothing are because they had to move and can't make use of what was in their home before. The bookshelf racks that were just right in their previous living area are now too wide in their new space. So their loss is your find in getting more organized at a fraction of the cost. Reach out to the community and earn something for yourself!

3

Put it away. The simplest thing you can do to stay organized is to put whatever hairbrush, bag, article of clothing, tool, or item away right after using it. Basically, you want to know where everything is so that you never have to waste time looking for it. Ask yourself this question: Could you tell a stranger where to find anything where you live? If not, you probably need to get more organized.[5]

4

Use the trash basket/recycling bin. Organizing things you don't need is simply a waste of precious time. It is incredible how much more in control you will feel by ridding yourself of outdated articles you're going to read “someday” or pages of notes from which pertinent action items have already been taken care of. For many of us, the reason we accumulated things is because we just don't want to take a look at it. This is a cultivated habit, however, and can be changed.

What you will find with many of these items is that you can now just throw them away. So try not to be afraid of your accumulated stuff. You will feel a lot more empowered and be much more organized as a result.

5

Find a paper calendar, a sheet of paper and a white board. On your paper, you write your “to do” list for today. Keep that with you throughout the day. By the end, whatever you can't get done, gets moved to the calendar. The white board is kept for you to make scribbly notes on at any given moment.[6]

6

Write down your three most important tasks. It's easy to get overwhelmed with everything we think we have to do. However, take a look at your essential and non-essential tasks -- not everything is essential. Sometimes we can think that because we are racing around like whirling dervishes that we are actually being productive. But it's usually quite the opposite.

When you focus on just the top three most important tasks, the path becomes a lot more clear and achievable.

These are only general guidelines, and not set in stone. Mold your organizational needs to fit your daily life and schedules. If you can’t get through a particular task one day, don’t sweat it. If it is a necessity that it get’s done soon, then look at your calendar to make arrangements to schedule it in. If it is a task that was not very important, maybe just try to let it go. When you hang onto things too long, they can fester and cause you to worry. It does you no good, but increases your anxiety. The goal of organizing is to release all of the things that cause you stress so you don’t feel bogged down.

Start by identifying things that you’ve wanted to do, but haven’t had a chance to. Then, set some new and fresh goals to achieve the things that interest you. Remain optimistic and have a can-do attitude.

How can I really keep my head clear and mind focused on what really matters and get things done?

Community Answer

Eliminate any and all distractions first. Make sure your work area is clean, free of mess and clutter. Take the time to plan out exactly what you need or want to do in a timetable or list format, and then tackle each thing one at a time. Meditation is a great tool for learning to focus more and to keep your mind clear, so you may want to consider trying it out (preferably before you work).

What if in the middle of our life we are not settled? How we need to approach life and how can we be more productive and spend a fulfilled life?

Community Answer

This is a transition period for many people, and often it comes with an empty nest as children leave, dissatisfaction with a career, uncertainty about the future and a often a realization that mortality is quite real. If you're unsettled at this time, it is likely that you need to work through your issues directly rather than running from them. Perhaps it is a time for a new job, new hobby, new friends. Maybe it's time to reconnect with your spouse, your parents and old friends. Spend more time doing the things that matter, like being with family, reflecting on your life and finding that job that sparks you.

Try planning, scheduling, getting more sleep, and even exercising -- anything to help you focus when it comes time to work. Above all, you have to tell yourself that you're going to get it done. If you keep telling yourself that you'll do it, you will.

Picking yourself up after a rough break can be really difficult. Acknowledge that you're in a vulnerable place, and prioritize taking great care of yourself. Spend time with loved ones and friends, don't isolate yourself. Rediscover old hobbies you may have forgotten about, and indulge in things you love. Exercise regularly - even light exercise, like walking or gentle yoga - and get outside often. Eat well, get enough sleep. There is a grieving process that happens after relationships end. It's natural and TOTALLY healthy to mourn this loss. Don't try to stuff your feelings deep inside, but don't let them swallow you whole either!

To what does the three most important tasks mentioned at end of the article refer?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

The technique described here is to make a list of everything you should or want to do, then assign a priority to each. This will show you that not everything has to be done now, or even at all, and will help you focus on the things that are most important to you. By creating perspective, you can achieve progress and satisfaction.

This depends on what your dreams and ambitions are. What does getting your life in order mean to you? Life is messy and never easy, so most of the time it will never be in order. Learn to be happy with the life you have and be grateful for the people who are going through life with you. Getting our life in order could take up to a few days to years. Just be happy with your own life and don't get dragged down into what you think your life should look like.

How do I gather my life together after graduating high school, and not enrolling into any colleges or university? What options do I have then?

Community Answer

College is just one of the many options available to you, so if you decide not to enroll, you can still get your life together after high school. Envision where you want to go in life and how to get there. Write out the steps you want to take, or a bucket list, or a journal or agenda. Manage your time well. Begin applying for jobs as there will be expenses you need to pay and fun things you'll want to pay for. Consider volunteering or taking classes to enrich your life with hobbies and find like-minded friends.

I am disabled and spend most of my time at home taking care of my grandparents, I want to move out but I can't, what should I do?

Jo W.

Community Answer

This is very difficult for you, and for your grandparents too. I think all you can do is know that this will pass, and I really don't mean to upset you, but at some point this will come to an end and you will not have to be a caregiver. In the meantime try to take "snippets" of time for yourself, just small windows where you can enjoy something like music or art, just for yourself. Your grandparents are so lucky to have you, and so many older people are all alone. You are doing a wonderful thing - please remember that. When this time of caring for them comes to an end, then you will be able to really embrace time for yourself.

Tips

The company of friends and herbal remedies are perfect solutions to stress.

Spend 10-20 minutes a day thinking about what you did, what you are doing, and what you will do. Think about ways to save money, become healthier, improve yourself and build community. Don't spend any more than 20 minutes a day thinking; otherwise that could lead to procrastination. Try to think during downtime such as waiting in a line or riding a bus.

"I see myself in many of the ones who had questions. You provided a systematic approach using sound principles for issues others are blind to. You praised & encouraged those with issues that seemed as though there was no end in sight. Thank you."..." more

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Sarah Eden

Sep 21, 2016

"The idea of setting small goals so you can get them done easily is a great idea. I've never thought about how much I say I should get done, and have given myself impossible tasks that I couldn't possibly get done in such a short amount of time."..." more

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Dominica McGowan

Nov 26, 2016

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Apr 4, 2016

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Fallon Rose

May 31, 2016

"I was really in a depressed state of mind and my friends noticed but after a week of these helpful hints, I really improved and I am not currently depressed anymore."..." more

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D. G.

Dec 24, 2016

"Most of the positive things - spoken gently as information, rather than "must, should, ought to" - helped. It reminded me of the things I knew but had forgotten."..." more

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Kathryne S.

Apr 9, 2016

"The whole article helped me to realize I put too much pressure on myself based on what I imagine others think my life should be like."..." more

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Adrian Peterson

Mar 8, 2016

"I learned to manage the time I spend on certain activities, balance work with down-time to stay productive, and also manage stress."..." more

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Sarah Hall

Jun 6, 2016

"The list of tasks really helped me get my homework done and helped me not procrastinate!"